The Sabres hired Ruff for the 1997-98 season. Trotz’s first year with the Predators was 1998-99. Trotz has coached 1,083 NHL games. Ruff was at 1,165 at the time of his dismissal. All their games were with the same teams.

Trotz and Ruff have always been linked, not just by longevity, but also by coaching style. The two are also friends.

Who is the next longest-tenured coach? You’ll have to look into the next millennium to find that one. Detroit’s Mike Babcock was hired in 2005.